Louisiana § RS 15:31.1 - Antique slot machines

§ RS 15:31.1. Antique slot machines

A.  For the purposes of this Section, a slot machine is an antique if at least twenty-five years have elapsed since it was manufactured.  

B.  Notwithstanding any provisions of Section 31 of this Title, or R.S. 14:90.1, or any other provisions of law to the contrary, an antique slot machine may be owned and possessed in this state and shall not be subject to confiscation or destruction without a judgment of court as provided in this Section, but may be seized as evidence when operated for unlawful gambling purposes.  

C.  An antique slot machine, antique gambling device, or antique gaming machine seized as evidence in connection with unlawful gambling shall not be destroyed, altered, or sold until the owner has been afforded a reasonable opportunity to present testimony and other evidence in court that his antique slot machine was not operated for unlawful gambling, and until the court determines by a final and definitive judgment that such slot machine was operated for unlawful gambling, in which event the court shall order the destruction of the slot machine.  Otherwise, if the judgment is in favor of the owner, such antique slot machine shall be returned to its owner.

D.  An antique slot machine may be owned, possessed, used, and operated in this state under the following conditions:

(1)  Within a private dwelling, an antique slot machine may be owned, possessed, used, and operated, provided the operation of the machine is for the purpose of fostering esthetic interest, and the use of the machine does not subject a person to loss of money or property on the element of chance of winning money or property as a result.  

(2)  An antique slot machine may be offered for sale except at a place licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.  When a machine is offered for sale it may be operated and used, provided a prospective buyer is not subjected to loss of money or property on the element of chance of winning money or property as a result.  

(3)  An antique slot machine, as an item of historic interest, may be presented for public viewing and inspection at any place, provided it is sealed and locked such that it is rendered inoperable and all openings for coin deposits and payouts are blocked.  

E.  It is the purpose of this Section to protect and foster the collection and restoration of antique slot machines not used for gambling purposes, due to their esthetic value and importance in Louisiana history.  

Added by Acts 1981, No. 738, §1, eff. July 23, 1981.  Amended by Acts 1982, No. 214, §1; Acts 1990, No. 987, §1.